We are delighted to announce that Preston Dynamos are the latest club to achieve our Equality Charter Award.

The Equality Charter Award has been designed to drive forward inclusion in football, so that we can ensure that football is a place where everyone feels welcome.

On their way to achieving the Level 1 award, Preston Dynamos have completed the following actions:

• Signed up to the Kick It Out Equality Charter
• Appoint a Club EDI
• Implemented an Equality Policy
• Attended a Sussex Disability Football League fixture
• Ensure all coaches at the club have completed the EE Playmaker by England Football course as a minimum
• Attended an Equality Workshop delivered by the Sussex County FA
• Dedicated a weekend of matches to raise awareness of race and homophobia within in football

Upon receiving the award, club Chairman, Gavin Kelly said: “I’m extremely proud of the club and this group of players. 

“They have worked hard to achieve this award and used their own time and resources to do so. I believe it’s testimony to a true club spirit and an authentic ethos being nurtured.”

Club Equality Officer, Todd Penfold added: “We’re honoured to have achieved this Equality Award. Its importance to our members is huge. We champion diversity, equality and inclusion and the award physically represents our ethos.

“Through going through this process we’ve learned a deeper understanding of how equality within football is achieved and maintained, not only within the male game but within football as a whole.

“We are proud of being the first Sussex Sunday Football League / adult male grassroots team in Sussex to achieve this award, and we would like to see more clubs achieving their Equality Award and hope it inspires others to do so.”

Looking back on the work done by the club to achieve this, what would theysay has been the highlight?

“The highlight would have been the workshop hosted by Jade Harker and being given the opportunity to work and learn as a team,” said Penfold. 

“We’d like to specifically thank Jade for her time and support throughout this process.”

With the new season soon to be upon us, what changes will the club be making going forward, in light of receiving this award?

“Going into the 2023/24 campaign we will ensure that all of the club members are educated and informed of our values and ethos, we will explain why we are recipients of the Equality Award, and we will ask each member to read and commit to our clubs equality policy,” said Penfold.

“We believe that ignorance is a threat to equality, and education is an integral component to achieving a unified attitude towards our game and the wider community within our club.”

Finally, on the subject of Preston Dynamos' award, our Development Officer, Abi Knight, had this to say:

“We’re delighted that Preston Dynamos have completed their Level 1 of the Equality Charter Award. The dedication Todd and his club have shown to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion has been remarkable and it’s been a pleasure to work with and support them. 

“This award showcases the club’s hard work towards being inclusive and will only be a benefit for anyone looking to join them ahead of an exciting new season!”

If your club would like to get involved, then simply complete the attached form.

To find out more about the Equality Charter Award an how you club can achieve it please contact:

Development
T: 01903 766855
E: Development@SussexFA.com